(HOUSTON, TEXAS) – The new Nexus QTN 450-II M CNC Multi-Tasking turning center with 120 inches between centers, 7.2-inch bore, plus deep drilling, boring, and honing capability was the star of the show at the Mazak Energy Expo at its Southwest Regional Headquarters and Energy Services Technology Center in Houston, Texas, June 13 and 14.

More than 300 people from oil and energy services companies throughout the Southwest region attended this special event, where Mazak demonstrated unique machining applications with the Nexus QTN 450-II M 120” (between centers) CNC Multi-Tasking turning center’s powerful integrated high-torque spindle and programmable tailstock. The QTN 450-II M offers 1,761 ft.-lbs. of torque from its optional 50-Hp integral spindle motor and 7.2-inch through-hole capacity (6.5” standard). A 12-station drum turret holds rotational tools driven by a 10-hp, 4,000-rpm milling spindle, so milling, drilling, and tapping tasks can be accomplished in the same setup used for turning.

Built in Florence, Kentucky, at Mazak’s award-winning manufacturing facility, the unique application on the QTN 450-II M featured at the Energy Expo consisted of a modified NC-programmable tailstock with a special tool holder instead of a center to drill, bore, or hone large-diameter bar or shaft workpieces. Once a tool is set up, the specific process is automatic, significantly reducing throughput time while freeing the operator for other jobs. With a bed length of 120 inches between centers, the modified tailstock can travel 96.25 inches when the machine is equipped with a steady rest or 116.13 inches without. The standard tailstock provides up to 2,923 lbs of thrust, and an optional fully automated steady rest can support workpieces ranging from 1.96 inches to 7.87 inches in diameter.

The new Nexus QTN 450-II M with a 120-inch bed is Mazak’s largest Nexus CNC turning center, shown here with a honing tool setup and steady rest.

Many energy services suppliers were attracted due to the significant cost-cutting benefits of quick throughput, multiple precision functions on a single machine, and the possibility of eliminating a dedicated deep-holemaking machine.

Other powerful Mazak machine tools of special interest to the energy services industry also were in operation. The Cybertech Turn 5500 MT comes equipped with a powerful 60-Hp integral spindle motor, up to 160 inches between centers, and up to14.75-inch bore capacity. A 15-Hp,
3000-rpm rotary spindle on the 12-station upper drum turret can perform milling, drilling, and other operations in one setup, reducing throughput time and eliminating moving heavy workpieces among multiple setups.  The optional 8-position lower turret can perform simultaneous turning along with the upper turret tool. 

Deep-hole boring up to 31.5 inches in long-shaft workpieces can be done automatically with the Cybertech Turn’s long boring bar option. Additionally, the Premium Threading Function in the award-winning Mazatrol Matrix CNC integrates negative flange thread and metal seal profiles into the machining program.

Five-axis machine tools also garnered much interest, including the multi-tasking Integrex e-650H with e-Tower capabilities and the Variaxis 730-5X, both of which can produce complex parts in a single Done-in-One setup.

 

Energy Expo attendees watch the Nexus QTN 450-II M in action honing a large-shaft workpiece with a modified tailstock.	Mazak’s Southwest Regional Headquarters and Energy Services Technology Center in Houston, Texas used an adjacent lawn area to accommodate more than 150 cars and trucks at its Energy Expo.